Showing posts with label Brian Schatz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brian Schatz. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Masks now optional at airports, airlines, public transportation, still required at public schools, Blangiardi to sign short-term vacation rental limits, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2022 All Hawaii News
Honolulu airport pre-COVID ©2022 All Hawaii News

Hawaii Airports, Airlines And Public Transportation Drop Mask Mandates. Masks will no longer be required at Hawaii’s airports and on public transportation after a federal judge struck down a national mandate that had been extended through May 3.  Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Public Radio. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii News Now.

Indoor masking to continue in Hawaii public schools through end of school year. Indoor masking to protect against COVID-19 will continue to be required at all Hawaii public schools through the end of the school year, state schools interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi has confirmed. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Local COVID modeling group projects new variant will not cause hospitalization surge. The Hawaiʻi Pandemic Applied Modeling Group, or HiPAM, is projecting that a new subvariant of COVID will not produce a surge in hospitalizations like other strains before it. A COVID-19 omicron variant hybrid called XE has been detected in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii Public Radio.

Working class tax credit still alive. After taking a long, winding path through the Legislature, a bill making the Earned Income Tax Credit permanent and refundable has made it through both the House and the Senate, though disagreements over amendments mean that the bill will now go before a conference committee. Garden Island.

Bill to ban use of drones for fishing moves forward. Senate Bill 2065, which would prohibit the use of the “unmanned aerial vehicles” on, in or near state waters to take aquatic life, passed out of the House of Representatives on April 8 and will be discussed in conference hearings. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii officials pursue stronger deterrents for illegal game rooms. A proposal before state lawmakers would elevate misdemeanor gambling offenses associated with game room activity to felonies. Star-Advertiser.

No One Is Raising Money Yet To Run Against Kahele, Case Or Schatz. Contributions to Kahele fell off in the first quarter of 2022 while Case saw more donations to his campaign and Schatz continued to bring in significant sums. Civil Beat.

Honolulu City Council Chair Tommy Waters Eyes Run For Congress. He has pulled papers for the 2nd Congressional District seat in case it becomes open. Civil Beat.

Oahu

Mayor Rick Blangiardi to sign short-term rental bill, return to work after recovering from COVID-19. Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he plans to sign a measure that would tighten rules for short-term rentals on Oahu as he announced he would return to Honolulu Hale today after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. Star-Advertiser. Civil Beat. KHON2.

No salary increase this year for Council members, mayor and department heads. The mayor and City Council members will not get salary increases this year after a unanimous vote Monday by the Honolulu Salary Commission. Star-Advertiser.

Helicopters to drop citric acid solution over remote Waimanalo area to eradicate coqui frogs. Helicopters will spray a citric acid solution over a remote mountain area of Waimanalo on Wednesday in an attempt to eradicate invasive coqui frogs, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Council to talk taxes: Breaks for drivers, homeowners and businesses on agenda this week. Resolutions lowering gas taxes by a dime a gallon and granting homeowners a $250 credit on their property taxes, as well a bill capping property values for other classes of property, will all be considered by the council today and Wednesday. West Hawaii Today.

Construction on Phase 2 of Bayfront Trails begins. Work on the second phase of the Hilo Bayfront Trails project began Monday after years of delay. The first phase of the project was completed in 2016, and connected Mooheau Park, Pauahi Street, the Bayfront canoe hale, and the Bayfront soccer fields. Tribune-Herald.

Closing arguments to begin in trial of prominent doctor accused of drug crimes. Closing arguments are set to begin Tuesday morning in the federal drug trial against prominent Big Island physician Rudy Puana. Puana’s attorneys will get one last chance to convince jurors he was not illegally dealing drugs. Hawaii News Now.

Maui

Plans for warehouse in Maui Business Park move forward. Despite concerns over drainage and runoff, a 20,000-square-foot warehouse to be located near Costco in Kahului received approval of a special management area use permit on Tuesday. The Maui Planning Commission granted West Maui Construction Holdings LLC the permit to develop the warehouse building and conduct improvements on approximately 4.7 acres in the Maui Business Park at 72 Lauo Loop. Maui News.

Cat colony at the Grand Wailea resort may be eradicated amid lawsuit. The nonprofit Earthjustice recently filed a lawsuit against the resort, sighting lighting problems for endangered seabirds at the Grand Wailea. KITV4.

Kauai

Driver licensing, motor vehicle registration offices close early this week. The county Finance Department’s divisions of motor vehicle registration and driver licensing are closing at 3 p.m. all this week to accommodate staff training for a planned integration project. The integration project involves the combination of both the drivers licensing and motor vehicle registration divisions into one, full-service Department of Motor Vehicles. Garden Island.



Monday, August 27, 2018

Hurricane Lane assessment, schools, shipping, postal service resume; impact fees for Honolulu schools, constitutional amendment would change taxation process, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Flooding in Hilo town. PC: Tracey Niimii www.tnphotographyhawaii.com
Lane poured record rainfall on East Hawaii. The preliminary total for Mountain View, subject to final quality control, is 51.53 inches of rain between noon Wednesday and 4 a.m. Sunday. Star-Advertiser.

Government officials on Sunday began their assessments of the damage inflicted upon Hawaii Island from Hurricane Lane. Tribune-Herald.

Southern end of the state mopping up 'devastation' left by Lane. Hawaii News Now.

Ports reopen, cargo operations resume statewide as Lane leaves. Matson Navigation Company has resumed full cargo operations to all of its Hawaii terminals following the Hawaii State Department of Transportation's reopening of Big Island ports to commercial operations Friday and Oahu, Maui and Kauai ports Saturday morning. KHON2.

USPS delivers mail Sunday after Tropical Storm Lane. KHON2.

What Killed Hurricane Lane? Scientists agree high southwest winds helped save Hawaii. “They took its head off,” one says. Civil Beat.

Public schools statewide to open today. All public schools statewide will open today with the exception of four in Lahaina. Star-Advertiser.

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In addition to deciding whether the state should hold a constitutional convention, Hawaii voters on the Nov. 6 general election ballot will be asked to consider a precedent-setting change that would move some of the county’s exclusive power to charge real property taxes to the state’s domain. West Hawaii Today.

Commentary: Hirono acquires fire, while Schatz, as Hawaii’s senior senator, develops diplomacy. Star-Advertiser.

Isle coffee production plunges, report says. One of Hawaii’s premiere crops, coffee, had a disappointing last season with a drop in sales as reduced production overshadowed higher prices, according to a recent federal report. Star-Advertiser.

Saving Hawaii’s Pig Farms. This once-fading island industry is coming to life again thanks to local tastes and strong cultural demand. Civil Beat.

A network of Hawaiian-focused schools is hoping to significantly expand the number of Hawaiian speakers in the state by making language lessons available on Duolingo, a popular free education app. Civil Beat.

Oahu


Developers to pay school impact fees for new homes built in urban Honolulu. Those looking to build a home in the areas between Kalihi and Ala Moana should know that starting Oct. 1 — construction is going to come with an added cost. Hawaii News Now.

Residential builders will have to pay $3,864 as a school impact fee for each new housing unit constructed along the Kalihi to Ala Moana urban corridor starting Oct. 1, a big discount from the $9,374 estimate two years ago. Star-Advertiser.

Board of Water Supply crews are responding to a water main break in Ewa Beach on Monday morning. Honolulu police said one southbound lane of Fort Weaver Road is closed near Keoneula Boulevard. Hawaii News Now.

Wailana Coffee House, the iconic 24-hour family diner in Waikiki, will close at the end of next month. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii Island

Making county spending more transparent is the aim of two charter amendments scheduled for the Nov. 6 general election ballot. One measure requires public notice and a chance for public input before raises are granted top county officials, while a second requires a financial impact statement be available to the public for any future charter amendment on the ballot. West Hawaii Today.

For at least five years, the Hawaii Police Department has been looking at ways to fund a body-worn camera program for its officers. However, with a “status-quo” budget, the department keeps coming up short. West Hawaii Today.

Kailua-Kona sees new businesses, developments coming up. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Four Lahaina Schools on Maui Closed on Monday, Aug. 27. Four public schools in Lahaina in West Maui will be closed to students on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 as the community deals with the aftermath of large brush fires that burned thousands of acres of land and destroyed at least 21 structures. Maui Now.

Lane aftermath. Storm dumps heavy rain, leaves power outages, damaged roads. Maui News.

West Maui residents focus on rebuilding after firefighters contain 2K acre blaze. The destructive fire that broke out in Lahaina early Friday morning is finally 100 percent contained, Maui county officials said on Sunday afternoon. Hawaii News Now.

Brush fire leaves homes in ashes, lives shattered. At least 21 structures damaged or destroyed. Maui News.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa talks about the brush fires. KHON2.

Haiku residents describe moments massive crack in road opened. With the bulk of the concentration focusing on West Maui fires, residents in Upcountry Maui are still dealing with the flooding damage brought by Lane. KHON2.

Kauai

On Kauai, it’s back to normal. With the downgrading of Tropical Storm Lane, Young Brothers anticipates resumption of its 12 regularly scheduled weekly sailings starting today. Garden Island.

Builders return to Anaina Hou Playground in Kilauea. Not all the workers were present Sunday when work resumed on the developing Anaina Hou Playground in Kilauea. Garden Island.

Officials say an Alabama man was fined $1,500 for touching a Hawaiian monk seal as well as harassing a sea turtle on Kauai, and then posting the videos on social media. Garden Island.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Native Hawaiians, Asia-Pacific, pundits react to Trump triumph, Kenoi admits 'probable cause' to pCard misuse, cheaper to put Thirty Meter Telescope on Canary Islands, saving Waikiki Natatorium, voter turnout down, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Keaukaha Hawaiian campground © 2016 All Hawaii News
The future of a Hawaiian nation has suddenly found itself in the shadow of a huge cloud with the stunning election of Republican Donald Trump as president. Star-Advertiser.

Uncertainty regarding America’s relationships with Asia-Pacific nations has “increased exponentially” with the election of Donald Trump, the outgoing leader of the East-West Center said Wednesday. Civil Beat.

A Donald Trump presidency could theoretically boost military spending in Hawaii, impact relations with neighboring countries overseas and shake up health care for people of the Aloha State, some local experts predict. Tribune-Herald.

Hawaii’s congressional delegation still seemed to be processing what Trump’s presidency could mean for national policy and Hawaii’s political interests. Star-Advertiser.

The day after the General Election, some wonder what impact a Trump Presidency will have on Hawaii. KITV.

Despite his win in heavily Democratic Hawaii, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz says overall losses in his party mean he will have to work harder on issues such as climate change, which are important to his state. Associated Press.

Column: Welcome To TrumpWorld. Donald Trump’s presidency could be both good news and bad news for Hawaii. Civil Beat.

The Republican Party’s General Election “Sweep” on the mainland was in stark contrast to political races in Hawai’i where GOP candidates were defeated. Hawaii Public Radio.

Even as Republicans nationally celebrated the election of billionaire Donald Trump as president, Hawaii Republicans this week continued their slide into near-oblivion on the state political scene. Star-Advertiser.

Despite long lines on Election Day, a shortage of blue “secrecy sleeves,” and malfunctioning voting machines that turned away some voters, the new chairman of the state Elections Commission said Wednesday he was “very, very impressed” with the election. Star-Advertiser.

The voter turnout in Hawaii Tuesday was down from four years ago, from 62 to 58 percent. But actual ballots cast were up by about 400 to more than 437,000 due to an increase in registered voters. Hawaii News Now.

Despite this year’s all-time high number of  registered voters — likely due to a new online registration system — Hawaii’s voter turnout rate in the general election was less than for the 2012 presidential election. Civil Beat.

Column: Wednesday-Morning Quarterbacking Hawaii’s Election. Civil Beat.

With Republicans in control of the White House and in Congress, will Hawaii’s Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill face a tougher battle sending federal dollars our way? KHON2.

Hawaii voters seem inclined to let the Legislature have more flexibility when it comes to spending excess state revenue. Civil Beat.

It’s been a busy year for the state Department of Health. KHON2.

Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and its portfolio of 37 hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties is being sold to Colorado-based private equity firm KSL Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount, the two companies said Tuesday. Pacific Business News.

Oahu

Historic preservationists are pushing a new plan to save the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, a World War I monument, and its pool, where Hawaii Olympian Duke Kahanamoku once swam. Star-Advertiser.

With Veterans Day coming up, there is a new proposal to save the aging Waikiki Natatorium. Hawaii News Now.

Ko Olina Resort &Marina is envisioned to almost double in size and connect directly with the City of Kapolei as part of an estimated $5 billion expansion for the West Oahu vacation destination. Star-Advertiser.

A major solar farm that would span hundreds of acres of land near the University of Hawaii-West Oahu campus is in the works, Pacific Business News has learned.

Hawaii

Mayor Billy Kenoi’s attorneys reached a stipulated agreement Wednesday with the Hawaii County Board of Ethics for misuse of his county-issued credit card. The advisory opinion, offered by the lawyers to avoid an investigative hearing in response to a long-delayed complaint, acknowledges there is “probable cause” that Kenoi violated a section of the county’s Ethics Code by using the card for personal expenses, which were later paid back. Tribune-Herald.

Outgoing Hawaii County councilwoman Margaret Wille read scathing testimony into the record of the Board of Ethics on Wednesday, sharply criticizing Mayor Billy Kenoi in the wake of the government purchase card controversy. Big Island Video News.

TMT official: Moving Thirty Meter Telescope  to Canary Islands could save money. Pacific Business News.

President-elect Donald Trump didn’t win any Hawaii County precincts, but voters were much kinder to him on the west side of the island than on the east side. That’s according to a West Hawaii Today analysis of precinct reports released early Wednesday by the state Office of Elections.

Maui

Maui’s voter turnout improved from 52.7% in 2014 to 56.4% this year. Of the 93,912 registered voters in Maui County, 52,969 cast ballots in the General Election. Maui Now.

After nearly 3,000 votes were counted late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, natural farm alchemist Alika Atay came from behind to defeat former Maui County Council Member Dain Kane for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu council residency seat, according to general election results posted at 5:18 a.m. Maui News

An ocean-front Maui property that has been rock star Pat Benatar's home for years went on the market for $3.6 million on Wednesday morning. Pacific Business News.

Kauai

The 2016 general election saw the highest voter turnout in Kauai since the 2008 general election, which featured U.S. Senators Barack Obama and John McCain. Garden Island.

Ensuring a future for keiki, mitigating a large tourist population and protecting the environment are just some of the topics Kauai residents want to see addressed in the general plan update. Garden Island.

With all 16 precincts reporting, Derek Kawakami and Arthur Brun are the new faces of the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Most incumbents keep seats, state Senate loses sole Republican, Hawaii holds for Hillary, Caldwell re-elected Honolulu mayor, new face on OHA board, more election news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Voting in general election © 2016 All Hawaii News
Statewide election summary here.

Without a native son on the ballot for president, Hawaii’s voter turnout dropped below the last presidential election year in 2012. With all but a handful of votes counted, 412,282 ballots were cast statewide, about 55 percent of Hawaii’s 749,917 registered voters. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii voters grappled with long lines and frustrating equipment malfunctions statewide Tuesday, as a larger-than-expected turnout appeared to overwhelm a number of polling places. Hawaii News Now.

Schatz, Gabbard, Hanabusa Win Big In Congressional Races. Colleen Hanabusa will rejoin the congressional delegation after winning two races on the general election ballot. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Democrats in the congressional races made election wins look easy Tuesday night, with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa all seizing and holding commanding leads from the first election returns. Star-Advertiser.

Former Honolulu City Councilman Stanley Chang ousted the Senate’s lone Republican Sam Slom on Tuesday night, making Hawaii the only state in the nation with an entirely Democratic state Senate. Star-Advertiser.

Chang Tops Slom In Race To Unseat Hawaii’s Only GOP Senator. Other than Slom and Pouha, incumbents fared well in legislative races. Rhoads, Gates, Holt and Nakamura won open seats. Civil Beat.

Hawaii has become the only state in the nation to have an all-Democrat legislative body. Hawaii News Now.

Keli‘i Akina, president of the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, seemed headed for a surprising victory over Office of Hawaiian Affairs veteran Haunani Apoliona, after trailing narrowly in early returns. OHA Chairman Robert Lindsey defeated challenger Mililani Trask, 44.6 percent to 32.5 percent, with almost all votes counted. Associated Press.

Voters Split On Making Changes To State Constitution. Voters narrowly agreed to a measure involving excess state funds but turned down an increase in the financial threshold for jury trials. Civil Beat.

Incumbents cruised to victory in the neighbor island County Council races Tuesday night, although a few lost their seats, including veteran Kauai County Councilman Gary Hooser and Maui County Councilman Don Couch. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu

Incumbent Kirk Caldwell defeated former U.S. Rep. and City Councilman Charles Djou in the battle for Honolulu mayor Tuesday night. With nearly all the ballots counted before midnight, Caldwell had 138,142 votes, or 52.3 percent, to Djou’s 125,945, or 47.7 percent. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell defeated challenger Charles Djou 51 percent to 46.5 percent Tuesday evening. Civil Beat.

Kirk Caldwell won his re-election bid Tuesday night, prevailing in a hard-fought battle against challenger Charles Djou to serve a second term as Honolulu's mayor. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu City Council members and city prosecutor were cruising comfortably to re-election Tuesday night. Civil Beat.

Honolulu Voters Say No To Longer Terms For Mayor, Council. But most of the other charter amendments were passing handily, including more police oversight and money for the Honolulu Zoo. Civil Beat.

A Honolulu City Charter amendment to give the Police Commission greater authority soared to approval with most of the vote counted Tuesday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Sue Lee Loy and Eileen Ohara cruised to victory in races for two open Hawaii County Council seats Tuesday evening. Tribune-Herald.

Two seats on the nine-member Hawaii County Council were decided in run-off elections Tuesday night. Big Island Video News.

Incumbents carried the day Tuesday in Hawaii Island’s state House races. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Kai Kahele will finish the remaining two years of his late father’s term in the Senate, Hilo voters decided on Tuesday. Tribune-Herald.

They’re tucked at the bottom and probably the least understood of everything on the ballot, but one change to the county charter passed, one change to the state constitution failed and another passed Tuesday night. West Hawaii Today.

A would-be voter in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates said she and four others were denied ballots because they weren’t listed in the system. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

In a come-from-behind victory, Aloha ʻāina candidate Alika Atay won the race for the Wailuku Council seat after trailing the entire night by a slim margin. Maui Now.

With a number of tight races getting down to the wire, there remained nearly 3,000 votes to count in Maui County, as of shortly before 11 p.m., according to Deputy County Clerk Josiah Nishita. Maui News.

Maui’s voter turnout improved from 52.7% in 2014 to 56.4% this year.  Of the 93,912 registered voters in Maui County, 52,969 cast ballots in the General Election.  This included a precinct turnout of 26,493 and an absentee turnout of 26,476, representing 28.2% of the vote each. Maui Now.

Maui voters turned out in greater numbers Tuesday, at least compared with anemic results during the Aug. 13 primary election, according to reports from polls at the Haiku Community Center, Maui High School, Kihei Community Center and Kihei Elementary School. Maui News.

Kauai

With all 16 precincts reporting, Derek Kawakami and Arthur Brun are the new faces of the Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

District 16 Incumbent Daynette “Dee” Morikawa will return to the state House after defeating Republican candidate Victoria Franks Tuesday. Garden Island.

It was a night of smiles and celebration for Nadine Nakamura even before the first printout was released on Tuesday night, and the celebrations continued once it was announced later that she was leading by a significant amount for the District 14 seat in the House of Representatives. Garden Island.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Kenoi takes stand in own defense, new schools superintendent coming, congressional shoo-ins raise money, new director for embattled rail authority, Maui to mull polystyrene food containers, venture capitalist buys Kauai estate, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Mayor Billy Kenoi testifies during his trial Wednesday in Hilo Circuit Court. Pool photo HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald
Mayor Billy Kenoi testified during his own criminal trial Wednesday that he made personal purchases on his Hawaii County credit card but denied trying to steal public funds. Tribune-Herald.

Mayor Billy Kenoi spent four hours on the witness stand Wednesday defending alleged personal charges to his Hawaii County-issued pCard that Kenoi said were for legitimate county purposes at a time of economic uncertainty. Star-Advertiser.

The trial of Mayor Billy Kenoi entered its fifth day on Wednesday. The mayor – who in March was indicted by grand jury for two counts of felony theft, two additional counts of misdemeanor theft, and one count of false swearing – took the stand in his own defense this morning. Big Island Video News.

Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi took the stand at his felony theft trial Wednesday, telling jurors that he thought it was OK to use his county credit card for personal charges as long as he paid taxpayers back. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Mayor Billy Kenoi testified in his own defense Wednesday. The criminal trial against the Big Island mayor for the alleged misuse of his government issued purchasing card entered its fifth day. Kenoi took the stand, appearing emotional, as he recounted his family and upbringing in Kalapana. Hawaii Public Radio.

Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi's theft trial continued Wednesday in Hilo with several witnesses taking the stand, which included Kenoi. KITV.

Day five of testimony in Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi's theft trial continued in Hilo Wednesday with the mayor taking the stand. KITV.

Hawaii Island Mayor Billy Kenoi took the stand in his own defense Wednesday. KHON2.

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The state Board of Education will search for a new schools superintendent to succeed Kathryn Mata­yoshi when her contract ends June 30. Star-Advertiser.

Kathryn Matayoshi is apparently on her way out as superintendent of Hawaii’s public school system. Civil Beat.

Kathryn Matayoshi's tenure as the state schools superintendent appears to be coming to a close. Hawaii News Now.

More Hawaii public school students are meeting or exceeding national science benchmarks, but achievement levels on the exam known as the “Nation’s Report Card” still trail national averages, results released Wednesday night from 46 states show. Star-Advertiser.
 
Shoo-In Candidates For Congress Raise Nearly $1M, Spend More. Brian Schatz, Tulsi Gabbard and Colleen Hanabusa are not worried about losing this year, but they are making moves for their future. Civil Beat.

All three members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation scored high marks on the Food Policy Action’s National Food Policy Scorecard, which ranks lawmakers’ votes on issues relating to food safety and access, farm subsidies, animal welfare, labeling requirements and the effects of food production on the environment. Star-Advertiser.

Howard Hughes Corp. plans to distribute $1 million to Hawaii community organizations for a second time through a foundation it established in 2014 with an initial $1 million donation. Star-Advertiser.

U.S. commercial fishermen hauled in 2.5 million pounds more bigeye tuna last year than they did in 2014, landing almost all of it out of Honolulu, according to a federal report released Wednesday. Civil Beat.

Oahu

The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s new interim director, who’s expected to be announced today, will inherit a rail agency that has seen high turnover among managers and board members in the past two years. Star-Advertiser.

Valuable properties are left unused to make way for rail. According to a report from the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, it wants to keep buying land, even though construction is still years away. KHON2.

Proposal Asks Voters To End Council Earmarks For Nonprofits. The Honolulu City Council approves millions in extra funding for nonprofits, but the mayor frequently holds back the money. Civil Beat.

Two key state lawmakers say they plan to try again to pass legislation requiring all moped riders to wear helmets in the wake of Tuesday’s fatal accident near the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. Star-Advertiser.

An online map showing what areas on Oahu are experiencing power outages is live. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Members of the Banyan Drive Redevelopment Agency voted Wednesday to approve a draft conceptual plan that will guide future action on the Hilo peninsula, particularly in terms of developing additional hotel capacity. Tribune-Herald.

How ya gonna keep ‘em in prison, after they’ve worked down on the farm? West Hawaii Today.

A Big Island native and former editor of West Hawaii Today resigned from his CEO post of the U.S. Space Foundation on Monday, about three weeks after coming under fire for making crude Facebook comments about Hillary Clinton. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

The use of reusable plastic bags and polystyrene food containers in the county will be considered on Monday, Oct. 31, at 1:30 p.m. in Maui County Council Chambers. Maui Now.

Native Hawaiian activists confronted U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials about Wailuku Water Co. permits to repair damage in Iao Valley from the Sept. 13 flood at a forum in Wailuku and in a separate action requested that the agency revoke the water company’s permit for emergency work in the Wailuku River. Maui News.

The Maui Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a state Land Use Commission special permit for Lona Ridge in Wailuku Heights, an action that moves the property one step closer to being able to host commercial events, such as weddings, workshops and corporate and nonprofit receptions. Maui News.

Hospitals’ future a focus for both candidates in District 8 contest. Maui News.

Farming a primary concern in District 13 matchup. Maui News.
Kauai

An executive at one of the world’s largest and most active venture capital firms has purchased a Hawaii estate for $5 million, Pacific Business News has learned.

Rupert Rowe says the Kaneiolouma heiau complex in Poipu represents the storied history of Hawaii. Garden Island.

Kauai County Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. will be the keynote speaker at the Lihue Business Association’s annual meeting at Duke’s Canoe Club today. Garden Island.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Hawaii Election recap: Low turnout, incumbent advantage, political commentary and more top government and political news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz hears from Emily Naeole © 2016 All Hawaii News
Hawaii set a record low for voter apathy in a primary election on Saturday, when only 34.7 percent of registered voters bothered to cast ballots. In all, 251,959 people voted. Star-Advertiser.

The voter turnout for Hawaii’s primary election of 34.7 percent was the lowest since statehood in 1959, prompting U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz to suggest that a Saturday in August “might not be the best time to hold a primary.” Civil Beat.

From opponents to teammates, Hawaii's Democratic candidates gathered at the Dole Cannery Sunday for the party's traditional Unity breakfast, less than 24 hours after Saturday's primary election. Hawaii News Now.

A day after going up against each other, Democratic candidates in Hawaii are coming together for their next challenge: the General Election. Sunday morning displayed unity among many of Hawaii’s democrats who just got through the Primary Election. KITV.

Time to shake off the post-primary fog, savor the triumphs, lick the wounds and buckle down for the big one. At the Democratic Unity Breakfast Sunday, there was no mistaking the agenda for November. KHON2.

The Democrat who spoke most passionately at the Democratic Party of Hawaii’s Unity Breakfast Sunday was a candidate who is not actually running as a Democrat this year. Civil Beat.

Though they didn’t have any major contested races, the Hawaii Republican Party says it’s happy with the outcome of the primary election. KHON2.

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
© 2016 All Hawaii News
The Hawaii Legislature will remain controlled by Democrats after a primary election where many Democratic incumbents ran unopposed. There were 16 uncontested races in the elections for the state Senate and House, and all but one of the unopposed candidates were Democrats. Associated Press.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz won his Democratic primary race Saturday, defeating four challengers in his bid for his first full term in office. Associated Press.

Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa won the Democratic primary in Hawaii on Saturday and could return to her old U.S. House seat. Associated Press.

The 2014 storm of political controversy — and weather — wasn’t there this time for Colleen Hanabusa and Brian Schatz in Saturday’s Democratic congressional primary, with both nailing lopsided victories in U.S. House and Senate races. Star-Advertiser.

Legislative incumbents find little resistance at polls. Star-Advertiser.

The Projector: Night Of Drama After Day Of Voter Apathy. Polling places were often empty Saturday, but when the returns started rolling in, the excitement picked up. Civil Beat.

Primary Election Results. Star-Advertiser.

Two OHA Seats Will Head To A Nov. 8 Runoff. Colette Machado has won her Molokai seat but the at-large seat and Hawaii Island seat will be on the general election ballot. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Roundup of insightful quotes helps discern bull of politics. Star-Advertiser.

Commentary: If there are any lessons to be taken from Saturday’s primary election, they are small and incremental. Civil Beat.

Oahu
The final battle for Honolulu Hale will play out in a general election clash on Nov. 8 between Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former U.S. Rep. and City Councilman Charles Djou. Caldwell narrowly finished first in Saturday’s primary election, with 44.6 percent of the 166,002 votes cast. Djou threatened to pull the mayor into a dead heat but by the end of the night trailed with 43.7 percent of the votes and a close second-place finish. Star-Advertiser.

Just 1,500 votes -- and one major issue -- separated Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former Congressman Charles Djou in Saturday's mayoral primary won by Caldwell. But a precinct-by-precinct analysis suggests it's an even tighter race for the two, who will face off each other again in a runoff election in November. Hawaii News Now.

Honolulu Councilwoman Kymberly Pine won’t have to face a challenger in November — she won re-election outright in Saturday’s primary race with a commanding 65 percent of the vote. Star-Advertiser.

An unscientific peek into how Oahu’s electorate voted in the Honolulu mayor’s race shows Mayor Kirk Caldwell and former U.S. Rep. Charles Djou each faring well in some regions while in need of work in other communities as they head for their Nov. 8 showdown. Star-Advertiser.

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
© 2016 All Hawaii News

Hawaii

Harry Kim defied the oddsmakers and the fundraisers Saturday, trouncing Wally Lau and 11 other candidates in his path to reclaim the county’s top post. West Hawaii Today.

Mitch Roth won a second term as county prosecutor Saturday. With 42 of 43 precincts reporting islandwide, the 52-year-old Roth held an insurmountable lead over Deputy Attorney General Mike Kagami, 22,281 votes to 10,128, 68.7 percent to 31.3 percent. Tribune-Herald.

State Sen. Kai Kahele is all but guaranteed to finish the term his father started after defeating his two challengers in the Democratic primary Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

State Senator Russell Ruderman will keep his district 2 senate seat after holding off his Democratic challenger, Puna councilmember Greggor Ilagan, in the primary election. Big Island Video News.

Seven-term incumbent Cindy Evans won the Democratic primary for the District 7 seat in the House of Representatives by a narrow margin over opponent David Tarnas in one of the closest races across the entire state. West Hawaii Today.

The non-partisan race to fill the two vacated seats – district 4 (Puna) and district 3 (Hilo) – will go on to a run-off election in November, since no candidate in either race managed to get over half the vote. Incumbents also appear to have been defeated in two other tight council races – district 5 (Puna) and district 9 (Kohala) – where Danny Paleka and Margaret Wille fall short in their bids for re-election. Big Island Video News.

Jennifer Ruggles unseated Hawaii County Councilman Daniel Paleka in the District 5 race. With all precincts reporting, the 27-year-old Fern Acres resident won 1,794 votes, or 54 percent. Tribune-Herald.

Every vote counts, especially if it’s cast in the Hawaii County Council District 3 race. The race will continue as a runoff in November after Saturday’s election narrowed the field of three to two: Sue Lee Loy and Moana Kelii, both of Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Two West Hawaii County Council candidates are powering their campaigns with small donations, while East Hawaii incumbents are relying more on larger contributions. West Hawaii Today.


Maui

Election night 2016 was characterized by low turnout, little energy, no magic, and only a few surprises. The night’s most unexpected finish was in the race for the vacant Wailuku County Council seat where former council member Dane Kane, finished first with 6,443 votes, while first time candidate Alika Atay came in second with 6,354. Trailing the leaders was the presumed favorite Keith Regan, the county’s managing director, with 6,017, followed by Joe Blackburn 4,439 and Hana Steel 1,424. Kane and Atay, the top two vote getters in the county wide non-partisan race will face each other in the November. Maui Watch.

It was an emotional Saturday evening for Kaniela Ing as he embraced friends and family after a triumphant victory over challenger Deidre Tegarden for the Democratic nomination to the South Maui state House seat. Maui News.

In the race for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat, voters on Molokai and Lanai proved to be one of the deciding factors for winner Dain Kane, pushing him through to the general election Saturday night in the tightest County Council primary contest this year. Maui News.

In a tight race with no candidate taking a majority of the votes Saturday, former Maui County Council Member Dain Kane and "aloha aina" advocate Alika Atay prevailed in the primary contest for the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat. Maui News.

Yuki Lei Sugimura held on to an early lead for the Maui County Council Upcountry residency seat, and Napua Greig-Nakasone secured the second spot Saturday night as they advanced from a four-candidate field to the Nov. 8 general race. Maui News.

All of the precincts in Maui County were accounted for in the Third and Fourth election printout from the State Office of Elections on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. The Fourth printout, produced at 11:47 p.m. was considered the Final Summary Report for Maui County races, where all precincts are accounted for. Maui Now.

A four-way race for the South Maui residency seat on the Maui County Council turned into a two-way contest Saturday night, with incumbent Council Member Don Couch and challenger Kelly King getting the most votes and advancing to the Nov. 8 general election. Maui News.

Upcountry Rep. Kyle Yamashita was able to fend off a challenge from political newcomer Tiare Lawrence Saturday night, taking a winner-take-all contest to return to 12th District House of Representatives seat he has held since 2004. Maui News.

Elections for federal and state legislative offices were primary elections with parties choosing their candidates for the Nov. 8 general election. Maui News.

Kauai

Hawaii State Sen. Ron Kouchi garnered more than half of the votes in the primary election. Garden Island.

District 15 incumbent James “Jimmy” Tokioka will return to the state House after winning the seat convincingly, beating his opponent and first-time political candidate Thomas Oi of Lihue. Garden Island.

With 12 of 16 precincts reported, Derek Kawakami led the race for Kauai County Council. Garden Island.

Cheers rang through Brick Oven Pizza in Wailua Saturday night when Nadine Nakamura and her supporters received the first printout of election results from the 2016 primary election. Garden Island.

The race for the Kauai prosecutor’s office hit a milestone Saturday when the incumbent took a significant lead against his challenger. Garden Island.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Hawaii Health Department sued over lack of elderly home inspection reports, cool schools bids come in lower, Kauai water quality lawsuit filed, campaign money follows incumbents, bottled volcanic water comes right from the tap, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

courtesy Hawaii Health Systems Corp.
Leahi Hospital, courtesy Hawaii Health Systems Corp.
The state’s failure to post inspection reports of state-licensed care facilities online has prompted advocates for the elderly to go to court to force the state to comply with the law. Civil Beat.

A senior citizens advocacy organization is suing the Hawaii Department of Health for failing to post inspection reports online for care homes that serve seniors and the disabled. Star-Advertiser.

Construction bids for the state’s “cool schools” initiative have started to trend lower since the Department of Education announced last month that an initial round of proposals came in significantly over budget. Star-Advertiser.

American fishermen are digging in for a fight over a proposal to shut down the vestiges of the U.S. harvest of shark fins, prized for soup and traditional medicine in Asia, and send a message to the rest of the world. Associated Press.

Why It’s So Hard To Find A Fresh Voice In Hawaii Politics. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz has an easy route to re-election. Oh, there are candidates who’d love to unseat him. They just struggle to get noticed. Civil Beat.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono isn’t up for election until 2018, but she continues to add more cash to her campaign coffers. Hirono raised $111,352 from April 1 to June 30, according the latest reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Civil Beat.

It’s interesting that U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard thinks she needs more money, as she raised more than $420,000 in the April-June period and reported nearly $1.9 million in cash on hand. Civil Beat.

Oahu

A Board of Water Supply crew is patching a water main break in a sinkhole on Punaluu Valley Road that has left residents without water and a road on which to exit their neighborhood by vehicle. Star-Advertiser.

Darby scooted off to the north a weaker storm Monday, but not before pounding Oahu with enough rain Sunday night to stop freeway traffic, knock out power, spill sewage and trigger some serious flooding. Star-Advertiser.

Feds Finalize $175 Million Plan To Protect Waikiki From Flooding. Tropical Storm Darby was a reminder that a much bigger 100-year flood could devastate Honolulu’s economic engine. Civil Beat.

Honolulu not building enough housing for its population, report says. Pacific Business News.

For the first time since state Rep. John Mizuno originally ran for the Legislature 10 years ago, he faces a Democratic primary opponent in the race for House District 28, which encompasses Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights and part of Kalihi. Civil Beat.

Commentary: Rod Tam Crosses The Aisle To Try To Come Back. Talking with Rod Tam about his guilty plea, his nights in jail and why he’s running for the state Senate as a Republican. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

County water is source of premium brand. The California Department of Public Health is investigating a complaint about Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water involving “issues such as labeling and source water requirements associated with Waiakea.” Tribune-Herald.

No one on the Big Island has been issued a concealed carry license and that is unlikely to change any time soon in the wake of a recent Ninth Circuit Court ruling, attorneys say. West Hawaii Today.

The lava flow from Kilauea’s Pu‘u ‘O‘o vent crossed the Kalapana emergency route Monday afternoon as it approached the coastline. Tribune-Herald.

An active lava flow from Kilauea Volcano’s Puu Oo vent was less than a quarter-mile from the ocean as of Monday morning, according to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Star-Advertiser.

The 61g lava flow has crossed the coastal emergency road that connects the Chain of Craters Road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to Kalapana. Big Island Video News.

Maui

Plans call for opening a new burial site at the Maui Veterans Cemetery by mid-September, which would add much-needed space for deceased veterans and their spouses, state and county officials said last week. Maui News.

A public hearing on the revised draft Honua'ula Habitat Conservation Plan will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku. Maui News.

Five blacktip reef shark pups have recently became a part of the marine life at Maui Ocean Center. Maui Now.

Kauai

The nonprofit environmental law firm Earthjustice filed a lawsuit Monday against Hawaii’s Agribusiness Development Corporation alleging it allows pesticides and chemicals to flow unchecked through Kauai’s Mana Plain and into waterways. Civil Beat.

Hawaii’s Department of Health and Agribusiness Development Corporation are both facing a lawsuit for allegedly polluting Kauai’s Westside waters. Garden Island.

A draft environmental assessment on a proposed residential treatment facility for adolescents on Kauai battling substance abuse is now available for public review. Star-Advertiser.

A draft environmental assessment is being prepared for the repair or replacement of the Kapaa Stream Bridge, on Kuhio Highway near mile marker 10. Garden Island.

Patricia Wistinghausen said the first day representing Kauai as a delegate in the Democratic National Convention was “crazy and crowded.” Garden Island.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Oahu voters support Thirty Meter Telescope in poll, Hawaii sends 19 delegates to Republican National Convention, Schatz, Gabbard sitting pretty in congressional races, Hawaiian Electric stocks plummet after failed buyout, Maui hospital plan in limbo, UH tuition increase looming, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Tour guide explains telescopes atop Mauna Kea © 2016 All Hawaii News
The Thirty Meter Telescope might be a Big Island project, but Oahu is clearly TMT country. In the latest Hawaii Poll, more than three-quarters of Oahu’s likely primary voters say they support construction of the controversial $1.4 billion astronomy project, and more than half say it would negatively affect Hawaii’s business reputation if it does not go forward. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii sent 19 delegates to Cleveland, Ohio for the Republican National Convention over the weekend and they were easy to spot. Dressed in red Aloha shirts and adorned with red lei, members of Hawaii's delegation held signs that said "Make America Safe Again." They even got a warm welcome from former Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle. Hawaii News Now.

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz will likely have almost a decade of senatorial experience the next time his name appears on an election ballot. Hawaii’s senior U.S. senator, who was appointed to the position in December 2012 after the death of Dan Inouye, is seeking his first full six-year term this year. Civil Beat.

Tulsi Gabbard raised more than $420,000 in the April-June period. According to her July quarterly filing with the Federal Election Commission, the Hawaii Democrat is sitting on $1.88 million in cash. Civil Beat.

There are other companies interested in Hawaiian Electric Industries, Gov. David Ige said Monday, the same day that the state’s largest utility and Florida-based NextEra Energy announced they would abandon plans to merge. Civil Beat.

Other companies want Hawaiian Electric after failed NextEra merger. KITV.

Following regulators’ rejection of NextEra Energy’s $4.3 billion bid to acquire Hawaiian Electric Industries on Friday afternoon, shares in Hawaii’s largest utility fell sharply, losing 7.3 percent of their value by the end of Monday. Civil Beat.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Inc. saw its share price fall over 7 percent on Monday, and it could have plummeted further but benefited from a strong utility market, said Charles Fishman, an analyst with Morningstar. Pacific Business News.

Starting this fall, the state’s public elementary school students will learn reading, writing and language skills under a single curriculum. Tribune-Herald.

Oahu

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha
fares poorly in the latest Hawaii Poll, but Oahu residents generally have confidence in the Honolulu Police Department. The nine-member Council received a 45 percent favorable rating, the second lowest. Star-Advertiser.

Nearly half of Hawaii's registered voters want Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to step down.  That's according to the Hawaii News Now, Star Advertiser Hawaii poll. Hawaii News Now.

The Honolulu Police Department is testing out body cameras on officers as it prepares to launch a pilot program for the devices by the end of the year. Associated Press.

Uber is threatening to pull out of Honolulu if a proposal passes that would require city-issued driver certificates for all who are interested in carrying the public. Star-Advertiser.

Oahu’s city bus drivers are working more hours and it’s raising concerns about the safety of passengers and the drivers themselves. KHON2.

The University of Hawaii is seeking approval this week from the UH Board of Regents to increase undergraduate tuition at its flagship Manoa campus over a three-year period starting in the fall of 2017. Star-Advertiser.

Longtime news anchor and reporter Kirk Matthews has died. KHON2.

The affable TV news reporter and anchor Kirk Matthews, who spent more than 30 years on the air here, died Monday at his Honolulu home with his wife, Linda Coble, by his side. Matthews retired from KHON2 in 2014 after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He was 69. Star-Advertiser.

How We’re Hurting Endangered Monk Seals. This North Shore monk seal mom had a tough week fighting off things that could harm her weeks-old pup. Civil Beat.

Hawaii

Property tax breaks for farmers and ranchers will cost Hawaii County $39.6 million in lost revenue this year, slightly less than 10 percent of the county’s $463 million annual operating budget. The County Council Finance Committee on Monday dug into the issue of the county’s agricultural programs, trying to balance a desire to encourage agriculture with the need for more tax revenue. West Hawaii Today.

Park brings in drones to survey while trees are dying. West Hawaii Today.

Efforts to combat coqui frogs dwindling. West Hawaii Today.

Maui

Lawmakers again deferred action Monday on a bill to assist public workers who will lose their state jobs when three Maui County hospitals are turned over to Kaiser Permanente. Star-Advertiser.

The state House and Senate agreed Monday to meet later this week to amend legislation designed to give financial help to unionized workers at two hospitals on Maui and one on Lanai. Those hospitals are awaiting privatization, in a deal approved by the Legislature in 2015. Civil Beat.

Tiare Lawrence, candidate for District 12, Upcountry State Representative has received five endorsements from a broad range of organizations. Endorsements of her candidacy have come from the Hawaii State Teacher Association, The Sierra Club, The Hawai’i Center for Food Safety, The Patsy Mink Political Action Committee and Local 5, Hawai’i’s hospitality and healthcare union. MauiWatch.

Kauai

Friday’s 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejection of sonar rules have Kauai biologists and conservationists shouting victory, but they’re reserving absolute celebration until the matter is put to rest. Garden Island.

The chairman of the Kauai police commission is calling out the Hawaii Paroling Authority by saying a recent decision to grant parole to an inmate was based “on overcrowding in the prison.” He also said the parolee would likely reoffend. Garden Island.

A temporary principal has been appointed at Hanalei School. Garden Island.

Friday, June 10, 2016

Hawaii Supreme Court rules for more open police disciplinary records, National Park Service improperly demolishes historic Pearl Harbor home, depression and vaping rises in teens, Honolulu $1.4B short on retirement funds, lava heading to ocean, sugar workers laid off, feral cats infecting endangered nene, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

copyright 2016 All Hawaii News all rights reserved
Hawaii police © 2016 All Hawaii News
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Honolulu police officers don’t have an absolute right of confidentiality regarding their disciplinary suspension records, and that their privacy interests should be weighed against the public interest in determining whether to release their names and details of their misconduct. Civil Beat.

The National Park Service said Thursday it demolished a historic home at Pearl Harbor without consulting historic preservation authorities as required. Associated Press.

Nearly 1 in 3 high school students in Hawaii report feeling depressed on a regular basis, and 1 in 6 students say they have seriously considered attempting suicide — statistics that haven’t improved in the past five years, according to new survey results released Thursday. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii On The Hill: Keeping The Islands On Washington DC’s Map. The third annual event sponsored by Sen. Mazie Hirono and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii shows off island businesses in the nation’s capital. Civil Beat.

Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard issued a statement Thursday saying there has been “speculation that I might be interested in becoming Chair of the Democratic National Committee,” but said she isn't interested. Civil Beat.

When the filing deadline for Hawaii elections closed Tuesday, it turned out that Brian Schatz was facing 11 challengers in his re-election to the U.S. Senate. But many of the candidates are political also-rans who have lost previous races for a variety of seats, or they are first-time contenders. And none currently holds any office, let alone much of a campaign fund. Civil Beat.

Colleen Hanabusa, a former Hawaii congresswoman who is running for a congressional seat in the upcoming election, said she will step down as chair of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation board of directors when her campaign heats up. Pacific Business News.

Hawaii, which was ranked the No. 5 state in solar energy installations just two years ago, has failed to make the top 10 for the second straight year, according to a new report. Pacific Business News.

A former University of Hawaii- Manoa scientist is leading a NASA-funded, $15 million project that aims to take the study of coral reefs to whole new heights. Star-Advertiser.

NASA takes 23,000-foot view of the world’s coral reefs. Associated Press.

Ocean currents that might have carried radioactive materials from Japan to Hawaiian shores never made direct contact with the near-shore environment of the Hawaiian Islands, and so ocean water and sediment samples collected by the researchers off Oahu never showed a spike in cesium levels. West Hawaii Today.

Oahu

Honolulu is short more than $1.4 billion in what it must pay to cover future public-employee retirement benefits. And, according to city financial reports, Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s administration has not set aside any money to cover that shortfall in Honolulu’s account at the Hawaii Employees’ Retirement System. Civil Beat.

A proposal by Best Hospitality LLC to build a 350-foot tower on a Waikiki site with a 25-foot height limit will have to complete a more arduous round of city vetting. Star-Advertiser.

A planned condominium-hotel project at the former Kyo-ya Restaurant site on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki is still aiming to start construction in the second quarter of 2017, with a completion date estimated for the end of 2019, according to its recently published final environmental assessment. Pacific Business News.

Opinion: Oh, man. Rod Tam. He’s back, like one of those viruses that hang out at the base of the spine and flare up when defenses are down. Star-Advertiser.

Hawaii

Almost half of Big Island public high school students have tried electronic cigarettes, according to data from a survey released Thursday by the state Departments of Education and Health and the University of Hawaii. Tribune-Herald.

Developers of Hualalai Kai, a senior housing project planned for Hualalai Road, are asking for a pass on a long list of permit fees and concurrency requirements to help keep their project affordable. West Hawaii Today.

Hawaii airline Island Air has hired 22 employees to accommodate its new daily service to Kona International Airport on the Big Island. Pacific Business News.

Lava could again reach the ocean if breakout from P‘u ‘O‘ continues flowing. Tribune-Herald.

Maui

Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. has laid off 158 employees so far, as the company winds down its sugar operations this year. Maui News.

The Maui Police Department issued a total of 1,596 citations during a two-week Click It Or Ticket seat belt enforcement campaign that ran from May 23 to June 5, 2016. Maui Now.

Kauai

The connection between nene and feral cats is the subject of a new study, published in the Journal of Wildlife Diseases, which focuses on the prevalence of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii among Hawaii’s state bird. The study found that 21 percent of nene have tested positive for past infection on Kauai. Garden Island.